The World - News from Sept. 1, 1988

Canada’s House of Commons, in a 177-64 vote, approved the free trade agreement with the United States, but the ultimate fate of the pact may be decided by voters in a national election. The agreement, which would eliminate all tariffs between the two countries during the next decade, was signed by President Reagan and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in January. Mulroney, whose Progressive Conservative Party enjoys a wide majority in the House, has suggested strongly that he will call an election this fall. The Liberal majority in the appointed Senate has already vowed to block the trade pact until the issue is put to the voters. In the United States, the treaty, which is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, already has been approved by the House of Representatives and is expected to pass the Senate later this month.